Georgia Football: It all started with the running back

Musa Smith

Ryan Forsyth is another such member of the Bulldog Nation. Growing up close to Cedartown, Forsyth’s family were Georgia fans, but they never forced the game and their team on him. While Forsyth’s dad had been a Hershel Walker fan, it was Musa Smith who inspired his love for Georgia football.

The first Georgia game he remembers watching was the Dawgs’ Sugar Bowl victory over Florida State in 2003. At six years old and currently playing running back, Forsyth was immediately drawn to Musa Smith, who rushed for 145 yards on 23 carriers in the bowl victory.

“I just loved his running style, his heart mainly,” Forsyth said. “He didn’t blow you away with his speed. He just knew how to play.”

By the next season, Forsyth was waking up at 6:30 every Saturday morning, ready to watch College Gameday and cheer on the Dawgs.

Now twenty-four, Forsyth is still a diehard Dawg fan and the Bulldogs are still impacting his life. After going through a rough patch with his dad, Forsyth was tempted to sell his tickets to the Georgia/Florida game this past season, but decided to keep them.

“You could feel the hatred in Jacksonville,” said Forsyth. “There was no sitting. It wasn’t hot, tailgating was out of this world, nothing like seeing the sunset over the St. John’s River.”

It was an unforgettable experience that Forsyth was glad to share with his dad, brought together by their love of Georgia football and their running backs.